John Cena’s Opening Monologue

Host John held no punches during the opening monologue with a few no-so-subtle jabs at Peyton, LeBron, and newly minted Golden State Warrior Kevin. He said things sports fans had been thinking for the better part of a year.

NFL Player Eric Barry Overcoming Cancer

The ESPYS were full of inspiring moments, with stories of athletes overcoming major life issues who still succeeded in the world of sports. One Cancer survivor and NFL player Eric Berry’s story was no exception. In December 2014, the Kansas City Chiefs safety was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Just ten months later, he returned to the lineup and went on to make his fourth Pro Bowl.

The most talked about moment from the awards was LeBron, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade‘s speech. The NBA’s elite player LeBron called on their fellow athletes to use their platforms for more than endorsement benefits and spoke on the issues of Black Lives Matter. Their collective speech was a defining way to open the show.

Craig Sager Accepting The Jimmy V Perseverance Award

Craig is everyone’s favorite sideline sports reporter. And if he isn’t, he should be. Craig has been fighting leukemia for the past few years and he refuses to let that stop him from covering games and wearing flashy suits. When he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award he spoke to the crowd about overcoming any adversity placed before you. Not to mention, the award was presented to him by Vice President Joe Biden.

Zaevion Dobson’s Mom Accepts His Arthur Ashe Courage Award

It was announced earlier this year that Zaevion, the high school athlete who was shot and killed after he helped shield three girls from gunfire during a shooting, would receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Not only did his mother and two brothers accept the award on his behalf, but actor Michael B. Jordan was tapped to narrate Zaevion’s tragic yet heroic story.